General information
Quick lime is used to cover decomposing organic matter to avoid putrefying smells and attracting flies and various scavengers.
- Corpses: Where a deep burial is not possible, spread a layer of quick lime in the pit, then place the corpse on top and cover it with more quick lime (1kg of lime per 10kg of corpse weight).
- Waste dumps: Where covering with earth or incineration is not possible, spread quick lime at regular intervals.
- Excreta: Spread quick lime daily in defecation trenches, where covering with earth or ash is not possible.
Safety instructions for quick lime (same instructions as Chlorine HTH apply):
- Reacts with water, generating a high temperature and an increase in volume. Can explode in a sealed container.
- Irritating effect on skin and dangerous for eyes. In the case of eye contact, wash immediately and abundantly with water. It could lead to irreversible damage, even blindness.
- The dust is dangerous for the eyes and respiratory tract.
- Store and use out of reach of children.
- Protect from wind dispersal; i.e., add a thin layer of earth on top of the lime.
Handling of quick lime:
- Only experienced and properly equipped personnel should manipulate quick lime.
- Required equipment: rubber gloves, boots, goggles, masks and overalls.
Local purchase highly recommended, because quick lime is a dangerous product to transport, hence, expensive to package under IATA regulations.
Do not confuse with chlorinated lime, which is a chlorine generating product and not lime.
Do not confuse with slaked lime, which is used in water treatment or masonry.
Quick lime is also used in agriculture as a fertilizer.
Specifications
Quick lime: greyish blocks, granules or white powder; calcium oxide, CaO; corrosive.
Transport regulated: airplane transport in compliance with IATA regulations under UN1910.
- Passenger aircraft: 25kg or 5kg packaging.
- Cargo only aircraft: 100kg packaging maximum.
Packaging: Bags of 50kg maximum; 25kg bags preferred for easier handling.